The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

Local News

June 22, 2009

Three injured in two separate traffic accidents

T. J. ROYAL

Three people were taken to Heritage Hospital in Tarboro with injuries after two separate traffic accidents occurred on Sunday in Edgecombe County.

N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Kearstin Howald said the first wreck occurred around 9 a.m. Sunday near Leggett on Fishing Creek Road near N.C. 97.

Vernon Brown Jr., 32, of Hobgood was driving back home after working his third-shift job in Wilson when Howald said he fell asleep at the wheel of his 2005 Magnum. The trooper said he headed into a slight curve, ran off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned his vehicle twice, landing on its roof. Speed "was not a factor" in his collision Howald said, as he was going the posted 55 mph speed limit.

Howald said Brown was taken to Heritage Hospital and released later that day. Brown was charged with failing to maintain lane control.

Later on Sunday, around 1:21 p.m., Howald said Dennis Ray Etheridge, 62, of Wilson ran his 2007 Ford truck off the left side of the road on U.S. 258 between Princeville and Shiloh Farm Road. Etheridge's 16-year-old son, Daniel Etheridge, was riding with him at the time of the wreck.

The trooper said Etheridge also fell asleep at the wheel, as he was heading south on U.S. 258 from a visit to Virginia. Etheridge crossed the center line and struck a ditch on the left side of U.S. 258 and overturned, Howald said.

Father and son were taken to Heritage Hospital for their injuries. Daniel was released while his father remains at the Tarboro hospital today in “fair” condition.

Howald said Dennis Etheridge was charged with crossing the center line.

Text Only
Local News
  • (USE FRONT) One To Go.jpg Tractor pull again a success

    PINETOPS – The 36th annual Pinetops 300 Tractor and Truck Pull was just as big as the previous events on Friday and Saturday night. There was standing room only both nights. Everyone got their monies worth on Saturday night during the last event.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • gas prices.JPG Gas prices break $3.50 barrier locally

    Gasoline prices have dropped below $3.50 per gallon for the first time since 2011.
    After hitting $3.479 on Friday, prices fell another two cents per gallon Saturday at Wilco/Hess at Main and Granville in downtown and at Murphy Gas on US 258 South. By Sunday, that price had spread to at least four other outlets in town.

    May 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Garden 1.jpg Edgecombe Garden Club presents annual awards and installs 2012-2014 officers

    At its May meeting, the Edgecombe Garden Club was presented with several awards won at the state convention in Asheville. District 12 Director Brenda Crocker made the presentations.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • May is Mental Health Month: Do More For 1 in 4

    Vidant Behavioral Health Center, a department of Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, is calling on the community to acknowledge May as Mental Health Month. The commemorative month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America (MHA), a national mental health advocacy organization.

    May 18, 2012

  • Parks and Rec offers wide variety of summer activities

    Summer is a time for excitement and a time to enjoy the warm weather through various activities.
    And for the opportunity to explore your artistic, athletic or even adventurous side, the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department welcomes children, adults and seniors to participate in a variety of summer activities, including athletic camps, water aerobics, dance classes, arts and crafts and a number of team-oriented programs.

    May 18, 2012

  • Here is a list of recreational facilities in and around Tarboro:

    Community Swimming Pool
    Poplar Street
    A swimming pool complex open to all Tarboro residents is located in the geographic center of town on Poplar Street, complete with a diving well, children's pool, competitive swimming pool, bathhouse, and patio/concession area.
    Tennis Courts

    May 18, 2012

  • keith hale .jpg Unsolved murders eat at law enforcement, too

    It's been 25 years since Roy John Rieck was found, brutally murdered, at Tarboro's Pizza Hut. Rieck, 47, was apparently closing the establishment for the night when he was stabbed at least 20 times. He was found lying in a puddle of blood at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1987.

    May 17, 2012 3 Photos

  • AIB group Submits application

    With its 28-page community profile officially submitted, Tarboro’s America In Bloom (AIB) committee is now focused on igniting a spring cleaning buzz throughout town for the coming of the organization’s judges in June.

    May 17, 2012

  • DSCN3696.JPG Anew creation working to improve lives of youth

    Kendrick Pittman, 33, realizes everyone endures obstacles in life and is ultimately responsible for the choices he or she makes. His choice was to work to positively impact the lives of the youth in the community. 

    May 17, 2012 1 Photo

  • Muhammad satisfied with term on council

    Melvin Muhammad said he did what he intended to do during one term on the Tarboro Town Council by stirring up a little controversy. Now, after not seeking reelection,  he's ready to ride off in the sunset.

    May 16, 2012